Policy in Action: My Journey from Attaché to Advocate

Spencer Flanders of Tri-Strategies.com

At Tri-Strategies, we thrive on guiding clients through the intricate world of public policy and advocacy. This year, Spencer Flanders joined our team, transitioning from his role as an attaché in the previous session to advocating as a lobbyist, passionately promoting policies that transform Nevada. This shift has been transformative, offering valuable lessons and practical tips from his experiences for those looking to excel in legislative advocacy.

A New Perspective: From Attaché to Advocate

Spencer: The most striking difference between serving as an attaché and working on the issue representation side is the shift in focus. As an attaché, I was an usher to the system, ensuring logistics, protocol, and schedules ran smoothly. It was about facilitating the process with minimal friction and no real opposition. On the advocacy side, however, I became an usher of policy. This role demands navigating competing interests, forging coalitions, and championing causes that often face significant resistance. It’s no longer just about understanding the legislative system—it’s about leveraging that knowledge to influence outcomes. This shift required a new mindset: moving from neutrality to strategic persuasion. Advocacy isn’t just about presenting facts; it’s about crafting compelling arguments and building trust to drive change.

A New Skill: The Art of Policy Marketing

Spencer: One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of marketing a policy. Believing in a bill’s merit isn’t enough—you must frame it in a way that resonates with legislators, stakeholders, and the public. This involves crafting narratives that simplify complex issues, highlight human connections, and align with diverse priorities. For example, when advocating for policies like mental health parity or high-impact tutoring, I learned to distill technical details into stories that lawmakers and constituents could relate to. This creative and strategic approach to communication became a powerful tool in my advocacy toolkit.

A Memorable Milestone: Leading the Charge on AB 207 and AB 383

Spencer: This session was filled with unforgettable moments, but leading the advocacy efforts for AB 207 (focused on mental health parity) and AB 383 (addressing high-impact tutoring) stands out. From lobbying these bills to presenting them before committees, every step was a testament to the power of persistence and collaboration. The culmination of this work—preparing for my first bill signing next week—has made the long hours and challenges feel profoundly rewarding. These experiences underscored the impact of advocacy in turning ideas into tangible policy solutions.

Advice for Aspiring Advocates: Expand Your Mind

Spencer: For those eager to represent issues at the Legislature, my advice is simple but critical: expand your mind. Effective advocacy requires looking beyond your own perspective to understand the full landscape—every stakeholder, every unintended consequence, and every point of resistance. Ask yourself, “How can I help everyone?” This mindset shift—from pushing an agenda to building consensus—is what separates good advocates from great ones. By embracing empathy and strategic thinking, you can bridge divides and create solutions that endure.

Pro Tips: Authenticity as Your Edge

Spencer: In the fast-paced world of legislative advocacy, a few “hacks” can give you a competitive edge:

• Be kind and genuine. Authenticity builds trust, and trust opens doors. People can spot inauthenticity a mile away, so don’t try to adopt a polished “business persona.” Show up as yourself, consistently, and you’ll forge stronger relationships.

• Prioritize relationships. Advocacy is a people-driven business. Invest time in understanding the needs and motivations of legislators, staff, and stakeholders. These connections will amplify your influence over time.

• Simplify without sacrificing substance. When communicating complex policies, focus on clear, relatable messaging that doesn’t dilute the issue’s importance.

  
  

Looking Ahead: The Power of Advocacy

Spencer: Transitioning from attaché to advocate has been class in strategic influence and human connection. Turning ideas into laws that make a difference this legislative session has been an incredible ride.